Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 79Dancing and Singing

THE MODERATE MUSIC AND DANCE SUTTA (NACCAGĪTA)

Background

The Moderate Music and Dance Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the rules of training for bhikkhunīs. This is not a scripture on transcendent doctrine, but a set of practical guidelines for regulating the life of the monastic community, especially rules related to ethical conduct (sīla).

According to the Theravāda tradition, the Buddha laid down these regulations in a specific context when he saw the impropriety in the actions of certain bhikkhunīs. The Naccagīta Sutta addresses the issue of taking part in activities such as dancing, singing, music, and similar acts, which were regarded as frivolous, lacking dignity, and distracting the mind from practice.

Main Content

This sutta lays down that bhikkhus (and bhikkhunīs), those who have gone forth, should not take part in dancing, singing, music, or similar performances. The reason behind this prohibition is profound: such activities are seen as producing attention, sensual desire, and longing in others, thereby covering over the purified mind and weakening concentration (samādhi).

In the context of the early Vinaya Piṭaka, “dancing and singing” (naccagīta) does not refer only to refined arts, but includes any activity performed in order to gain praise, attention, or the affection of others. This is an expression of craving (lobha) and conceit (māna), two flames of the mind that obstruct the path of practice.

However, this rule does not forbid activities such as chanting verses (gāthā), Pāli chanting, or religious practices whose purpose is cultivation. The distinction is clear: if an action is intended to cultivate the mind, it is a wholesome action to be encouraged; if it is done for personal sensual desire and fascination, it is cautioned against.

Practical Meaning

The Naccagīta Sutta teaches us to be cautious of excessive attention and personal ambition.